Introduction
Following Arsene Wenger's two-year extension with the North London club, many fans have been eager to see the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who were all crucial in last seasons squad, to sign their respective contract extensions.
Players with one-year left on their contract
1. Alexis Sanchez:
The Chilean international has proven himself since his arrival in 2014, with a prolific goal scoring record throughout. Last season, Sanchez had secured a career-record of 24 goals over the campaign and also became the only player last season to register double-figures in both goals (24) and assists (10). Recent and various reports in Chile have declared that it is Alexis' ambition to "play in the Champions League and win it". This may leave a question mark regarding his future with the Gunners. Rivals Manchester City and French giants PSG are both in the race to secure the Chileans signature however, manager Arsene Wenger is adamant that the North London club "will not sell him".
2. Mesut Ozil:
After his arrival in 2013 and appearing 116 times for the Gunners, he has registered 23 goals and 42 assists throughout. Being the second most expensive signing for the club, following the recently appointed Alexandre Lacazette, the German attacking-midfielder has settled well into London and although only a year is left on his contract, many signs point towards him staying for a lot longer than that. Ozil had recently renewed his executive box in the Emirates Stadium and had spoken strongly about how it is his intention to remain at the club, with talks commencing after the club tour.
3. Aaron Ramsey:
Ramsey who has been at the club for many years seems to be a favourite for manager Arsene Wenger, as he always seems to find a way to crawl back into the Starting XI, despite injuries and setbacks. With little or weak interest from other clubs, it seems adamant that Ramsey will feature in Arsenals plans over the next few years.
4. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain:
The Portsmouth born winger had joined the Gunners from the Saints back in 2011 and with strong speculation about his departure, it had seemed almost certain that Oxlade-Chamberlain was heading towards rivals Liverpool to play under Jurgen Klopp. However, recent reports have emerged that the England international is happy in London and more importantly, Wenger had recently been asked about Oxlade-Chamberlains future, to which he replied with "100%, he's staying".
5. Jack Wilshere:
A promising career with major setbacks throughout the years has shoved him away from the Starting XI, as this was demonstrated when Arsenal had accepted Bournemouth to take the midfielder on a season-long loan. During his time there, Wilshere had featured in Eddie Howe's team, but then suffered another injury towards the end of the season. Recent reports have emerged from Italy, claiming that Sampdoria are willing to pay roughly £6-9m for the midfielder, with Arsenal apparently giving the green light for Wilshere to leave.
6. Santi Cazorla:
A fan favourite, highly skilled and technical player was crucial to the flow of play in the highly praised Arsenal midfield. However, suffering an injury last season kept him out throughout the campaign, with reports suggesting he could be out until the end of this calendar year. Approaching almost 33 years of age, fans have recently been demanding a replacement for the Spanish international, to bring back the creativity that Cazorla had added to Arsenals play.
7. Kieran Gibbs:
With the recent addition of former Schalke player Sead Kolasinac, the English full back seems to be heading on his way out, with Nacho Monreal favourite to start ahead of him. It seems almost certain that Gibbs will depart the club this summer, with the likes of Newcastle favourites to secure his signature.
When can we expect players to sign their extension?
Contracts can always be difficult as there are three parties involved; the club, agent and most importantly, the player and their ambition. With the likes of Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who are favourites to sign extensions, these may drag towards the end of the calendar year.
Who do you reckon will stay at the North London club? Leave your comments and thoughts below!